Crackle sets the dates for fall slate of original programming

The new shows come as the Sony-owned streaming network moves to make digital video viewing more closely mirror the linear TV experience.

From high drama to stop-motion animation, Crackle’s new line-up of original programming is set to bow this fall with some big names from the linear TV and theatrical world in front of the camera, including Bryan Cranston, Jerry Seinfeld (pictured), Dennis Quaid, Kate Bosworth and Cary Elwes, the Sony-owned network announced.

“This year, we’re really upping our game,” said Eric Berger, EVP of Sony Pictures Television Digital Networks and GM of Crackle, in a statement. He noted the fall slate of programming was developed to help differentiate the network in an expanding streaming marketplace, and build “an innovative, yet familiar viewing experience” that complements Crackle’s existing content library.

Nov. 19:The Art of More, a one-hour scripted drama stars Quaid (Any Given Sunday, Vegas), Elwes (Saw, The Princess Bride), and Bosworth (Still Alice). The weekly, 10-episode series follows a blue-collar hustler (played by Christian Cooke) who leverages his way into the exclusive realm of premium auction houses by exploiting connections to smuggling rings he was exposed to as a soldier in Iraq. It was created by Chuck Rose and Gardner Stern (NYPD Blue, Law and Order), who serve as the series writers and executive producers. Quaid, Laurence Mark (Last Vegas, Julie & Julia, Dreamgirls), Gary Fleder (Runaway Jury, The Shield) and Tamara Chestna also executive produced.

Oct. 8: The first of three episodes of Supermansion, a stop-motion animated comedy, features Breaking Bad‘s Cranston as the voice of Titanium Rex, leader of The League of Freedom, a motley band of millennial-aged super heroes that has seen better days. The series was created by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios (Robot Chicken). SuperMansion also stars Seth Green (Family Guy), Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele), Jillian Bell (Workaholics), Chris Pine (Star Trek) and various guest stars. Cranston also serves as executive producer, alongside Green, John Harvatine, Eric Towner and James Degus. Matthew Senreich and Zeb Wells are listed as creators, writers and executive producers.

Sept. 23:Sports Jeopardy, a live game-show series now in its second season, will return with host Dan Patrick (The Dan Patrick Show) at the helm. Fifty-two new 30-minute episodes will be rolled out weekly. The format combines a Jeopardy-style Q&A with sports trivia. Viewers can download a mobile version of the game that interacts with the show as a second-screen application. The show is executive produced by Harry Friedman and Sony Pictures Television, with season one currently streaming on Crackle.

Jan. 6:Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee returns for its seventh season. The unscripted comedy features Seinfeld and a host of comedians. Six new episodes will anchor Crackles’ late night time slot (11:30 p.m. ET), with sponsorship by Acura. Seinfeld also serves as executive producer, along with Embassy Row. Seasons one through six are currently available on Crackle.

Along with the programming roll-out, Crackle also announced adjustments to its “Always On” feature that are designed to make digital video viewing more closely mirror the linear TV experience. The changes mean programming will immediately begin streaming as soon as viewers launch the Crackle app. Consumers can also simultaneously browse other programming in the channel guide while continuing to watch what’s currently on. In addition, Crackle will offer multiple channels of themed content that will vary throughout day parts – daytime, primetime and late night. Each will have programs that are curated and scheduled. “Always On,” which debuted at the NewFronts in New York earlier this year, is currently available on the Roku platform and is expected to launch on a variety of other platforms this fall, according to the company.